Masters in Mechanical Engineering

What is a Masters in Mechanical Engineering?

A masters in mechanical engineering prepares students to design, develop and produce various mechanical devices including tools, engines and machines. Earning a masters in mechanical engineering prepares graduates to enter the field as innovative, effective and highly skilled engineers. As such, individuals with a mechanical engineering graduate degree have an edge over competitors and increased career opportunities.

Masters in Mechanical Engineering Programs and Curriculum

Most mechanical engineering masters programs seek applicants with a bachelor’s degree in engineering from an A.B.E.T. (Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology) accredited program. However, some programs also accept applicants from a science or mathematical background. In addition, previous coursework in chemistry, physics, linear algebra, differential equations are typically requirements. Also, extensive coursework in calculus is often required.

Most masters programs in mechanical engineering have coursework unique to that particular program. However, several fundamental courses can generally be seen across most programs:

Combustion

Gas dynamics

Computational fluid dynamics

Mechanical design

Mechatronics

Structural acoustics

Biomechanics

Alternative energy systems and energy conservation

Most mechanical engineering graduate programs culminate in the completion of a project and a thesis. Upon graduating, most engineers will need to obtain licensure in order to being working.

Mechanical Engineering Career Paths

Mechanical engineers with master’s degrees can enter directly into the field, sometimes even assuming a supervision role. With experience, engineers earn increasingly complex responsibilities. Therefore, they may advance to technical specialist positions, supervisor positions and finally managing engineer positions. Engineers can find work in a variety of industries including manufacturing, scientific and technical services. Some are self-employed and others find work with government agencies.

Mechanical Engineering Salary and Job Outlook

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects jobs for mechanical engineers will grow by 5% between 2012 and 2022. Job growth will be fueled by advancements in technology and product improvement endeavors.

The BLS reported median annual salary for mechanical engineers in 2012 was $80,580. The top 10% of earners made more than $121,530, while the bottom 10% of earners made less than $52,030. The graph below provides 2012 median salary information for mechanical engineers employed in select industries.

University of Hartford

Graduate studies in engineering at the University of Hartford lead to the Master of Engineering (M.Eng.). The program emphasizes applied design and stresses communication, which is very important for a successful career.

Rochester Institute of Technology

The master of engineering in mechanical engineering is a 30 semester credit hour degree program and is intended to be a terminal degree program designed for those who do not expect to pursue a doctoral degree but are expected to be a leader within the...

University of Texas at Austin

The UT Austin 100% online Executive Master's Degree Program in Mechanical Engineering is offered by the Cockrell School of Engineering, ranked the 13th best program in the nation according to US News & World Report...

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